Pet safety
Is Maidenhair Tree toxic to dogs?
Ginkgo biloba
Mildly. The ASPCA lists maidenhair tree as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Ginkgo biloba is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant lists, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy seed coats of female trees contain ginkgotoxin and irritant compounds that can cause vomiting and, in quantity, neurological signs; the male-clone foliage typical of cultivated bonsai is lower-risk but unverified, so keep pets from chewing it.
What to do if your dog ate maidenhair tree
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move maidenhair tree out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of maidenhair tree to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten maidenhair tree, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is maidenhair tree toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is maidenhair tree toxic to dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists maidenhair tree as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Ginkgo biloba is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant lists, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy seed coats of female trees contain ginkgotoxin and irritant compounds that can cause vomiting and, in quantity, neurological signs; the male-clone foliage typical of cultivated bonsai is lower-risk but unverified, so keep pets from chewing it.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats maidenhair tree?
Ginkgo biloba is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic Plant lists, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy seed coats of female trees contain ginkgotoxin and irritant compounds that can cause vomiting and, in quantity, neurological signs; the male-clone foliage typical of cultivated bonsai is lower-risk but unverified, so keep pets from chewing it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to maidenhair tree.
What should I do if my dog ate maidenhair tree?
Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is maidenhair tree toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Maidenhair Tree is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full maidenhair tree pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to maidenhair tree?
For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Full maidenhair tree pet-safety
- Is maidenhair tree toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is maidenhair tree toxic to cats?
- My dog ate maidenhair tree — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete maidenhair tree care guide